ISLAMABAD, Feb 18: The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and International Development Partner (IDP), Norway, will jointly launch a pilot project called “Child friendly inclusive education” in six schools of the capital.

The purpose of the Norwegian-funded project is to ensure that all children regardless of their genders, abilities, disabilities and socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds have access to education in mainstream schools.

The project is being implemented in six schools of the capital through Planning Commission under the institutional cooperation programme.

To mark the opening of the project, the FDE in collaboration with IDP is holding a workshop on Monday in which as many as 60 experts from different ministries, universities, provincial special education and education departments besides representatives from non-governmental organizations and UN agencies will participate.

Prof Mel Ainscow of the Manchester University UK, an expert on inclusive education will be the key speaker and Terje Magnussonn Watterdal, senior partner, IDP Norway, will be resource person in the workshop.

Brig (retired) Maqsudul Hassan, Director General FDE will deliver his welcome address in the opening session while Dr Habib Khan, joint educational advisor at the ministry of education will be the chief guest.—APP